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My mother passed away 3 weeks ago. She wasn't the perfect mother and I wasn't a perfect son. I choose to remember the positive side of her and encourage my siblings to do the same.

I only know Koichi Tohei sensei from the aikido books I read in the late 70s and I only found out in 1993 that he was no longer in Aikikai when I started training Aikido. There are lot of positiveness from him/about him that I read and hope to remember his legacy in such light.

From me, too, my sympathy on the loss of your mother. My parents died in a car crash over sixteen years ago, in their eighties, and I still miss them. Although I read those same books as you, we argued anyway, but I know they and I loved each other a lot.

I became co guardian of one of my older brothers (the oldest is his other co guardian) who is in "Special Olympics." We argue too but we care about each other too. This past year I remembered one of Tohei Sensei's famous quotes and have been reminding my brother (and of course myself...) "Plus calls plus, minus calls minus"

Just sharing a quote, David, and thanks for writing a heartfelt post.

My family's and my sympathy to the Tohei family and to the students and friends, I am very happy that the teachings are still passed on through many Aikido groups today, officially and unofficially! It is indeed a great legacy. And it is a gift to the future that Tohei Sensei's son is continuing to develop it. Thank you, all of you.

I do not think that many people really turn a blind-eye to faults that Tohei Sensei had (we all share in that fault category for that matter). I was having a conversation with Imaizumi Sensei's wife last night and she talked about how the news of his passing flooded her with good and bad memories.....

A simple acknowledgment of the positive was for me, an act of respect. As you noted, the discord on both sides of the Ki Society and Aikikai divide will sadly not be mended by his passing. Maybe, allowing the sharing of positive notes might help easy all of the negativity so that future generations might endeavor to bridge the gaps created by strong individuals during turbulent times.

Regards,
marc abrams

Nice thoughts Marc, thank you.

It also sadly won't be mended by those who feel it's their place, duty, agenda, whatever to scratch old scars in public or focus on the feet of clay of a person who lived a remarkable life.

That great men or women often have difficult and complex stories is nothing new. Much the same can be said of O-sensei and in those terms, I believe Tohei Sensei is in good company along with other giants like Tempu Nakamura Sensei.

It's greatly appreciated those that have been respectful at a time when the Ki Society is mourning the loss of it's founder. Personally, a very sad time, because it causes me to reflect on many of his students I knew personally very well and who through them he had a huge impact on my life and who themselves are no longer here as well. As their uke, I became his uke. Their positive example was a reflection of his positive example. The memories they shared and confidences they gave I greatly appreciated and will remember in my view of his legacy. His teachings are at the center of my Aikido and will always remain so.

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Quote:

Every element of our physical and mental being came from the same fundamental particles. When we die we will go back to that source, to being those same fundamental particles. We are all connected in this way. We are very fortunate to be born as human beings, beings with a choice in how we deal with life and other people. We can choose to deal with life in a positive way. Everyone has problems; it is how we deal with those problems that make the difference in our lives. We can choose to be a positive guiding force and help other people. Plants and animals do not have this choice.

I wish to add my condolences to a great teacher. Also to his family and fiends and all who respected him.

I admire greatness and he truly fitted the bill. His legacy lives on and improves peoples lives. What better gift can a person leave.

I am actually shocked and saddened by anyone bringing character references into play at this time. Shame.

It opens a door for me to a personal view for those people, a truth I hold dear.

So called splits and rifts are a fallacy. Things created by ego and a lack of understanding a truth of life.

When a person reaches a level of 'mastery' it is the natural way for them to then form, build, create their own 'universe' version, way.
There is no betrayal or anything else, there is only the natural way.
Some are responsible enough and indeed lucky enough to be capable and able enough to do so.

Any organization should be proud to see such a person doing so.

I will not debate this issue, especially here on this thread, but only say that is part of my reason for respecting Tohei Sensei as a GREAT person who will be sorely missed.